The Office of Planning and Facilities Management began a site improvement project the week of March 10 to add waterproofing to Harbin Terrace and turn it into a student gathering space.

The project, which is expected to be completed by August, will add synthetic turf, painted planters, modular seating, new lighting and shade roofs to the terrace next to Harbin Hall, a first-year dormitory. Planning and Facilities surveyed students in the Healey Family Student Center (HFSC) last November about their preferences for different features on the terrace, which included the improvements selected for the project.

Savi Peiris (SOH ’27), who lives in Harbin, said students already spend time on the terrace, but the new amenities will draw more people.

“I’m really looking forward to the completion of the new Harbin Terrace,” Peiris wrote to The Hoya. “Though the patio already existed as a place for students to hang out, I think the extra lighting and seating will make it a more popular location.” 

Sami Levick (CAS ’27), another Harbin resident, added that the features would be particularly enjoyable in warmer weather.

“I think the renovations can make Harbin patio more welcoming and comfortable, especially when the weather is nice like it has been for the past few days,” Levick wrote to The Hoya. “I would definitely use the terrace more with the improvements that they’re making — I wish they were done before we arrived!” 

Harbin resident Olivia Zhao (MSB ’27) said the terrace is currently wasted, with few features despite its central location in the middle of campus — especially compared to a neighboring green space adjacent to the terrace and the Village C West (VCW) and Village C East (VCE) dormitory halls.

“More outdoor seating and planter beds are always nice,” Zhao wrote to The Hoya. “Currently the Harbin patio does seem a bit underutilized; there’s a lot of space and the main features are just plain tables and chairs.” 

“It’s also a very convenient place to gather!” Zhao added. “It’s especially nice because I think it gets more sun than the little plaza in between Harbin and VCW/VCE.”

Alex Pollock (MSB ’27), another student who lives in Harbin, said the construction did not cause disturbances, but added that the university should publicize the improvements so more students know about them, as a letter regarding the construction was only sent to residents.

“The construction is generally pretty unobtrusive, and I’ve never heard of anybody waking up from the noise,” Pollock wrote to The Hoya. “I think the university hasn’t done a good job promoting the benefits, because I haven’t seen anyone talking about it.”

A university spokesperson said students were involved in determining how to improve the terrace, adding that the university is always working to create more outdoor gathering spaces.

“Students were included in focus groups on the best use for the space and their feedback informed the final design plans,” the spokesperson wrote to The Hoya. “We are continually looking to create communal outdoor spaces whether they be catered toward socialization, events or learning.”

Levick added that besides the improvements, the construction could make the terrace safer by replacing damaged tiles that are either wobbly or cracked.

“Even if they weren’t renovating for the sake of making the terrace more appealing in general, I still think they need to fix the tiles because many of them are broken or loose,” Levick said.

While the project will transform the terrace, which initially only had concrete tiles and Adirondack chairs, and add features for students, it may not be permanent. 

The university’s master plan, which was adopted in 2017 and outlined various infrastructure and construction projects until 2036, includes the possible construction of another tower, which would house academic and administrative offices, where the plaza currently sits. Another possible renovation to Harbin Hall includes relocating the Facilities Department currently housed beneath Harbin to develop additional spaces for student life.

While the future of the terrace could change, Peiris said the new greenery on the terrace would make the space more relaxing and conducive to student life.

“The plan to replace some of the concrete with turf and planter beds will also bring back some greenery to our campus making it more visually appealing and relaxing,” Peiris said. “I’m hoping to spend time there next semester enjoying the nice weather.”